Libyan actors
Tracking developments of Libyan Actors in Libya’s security space including armed group activity, state security operations and political activities pertaining to Libya’s security.
LNA Defeats Counter Attack, Extends Territorial Control
The LNA defeated a counter-attack on the oil crescent launched from Jufra by allied forces including Jadhran loyalists, BDB fighters and some GNA forces. The attacking convoy was routed and the LNA even extended its control south of Jufra, all the way to Brak al-Shati. In Tripoli, tensions are high as anti-GNA Misratan forces mobilize to support the anti-GNA Islamist coalition, while protests took place after a video of militiamen raping a woman was released.
Action 6 Dec 16
In Sirte, the BM forces finally declared victory against IS forces on 5 December, following heavy fighting and US airstrikes, and on 6 December they said they were securing the last few buildings in the area.
Western 6 Dec 16
UN envoy to Libya continues his efforts to get the LPA accepted by the HoR before the 17 December deadline, however says that certain points such as controversial article 8, which would prevent Haftar from controlling the LNA, may be re-negotiated
Other 6 Dec 16
Clashes between Islamist militias allied with the Mufti and nominally pro-GNA militias broke out in Tripoli last week, killing 8 people in locations across the city. A ceasefire is now in place but tensions remain high. In Benghazi, 9 LNA fighters were killed as the LNA attempts to cut off jihadi fighters in Ganfuda.
Anti 6 Dec 16
Clashes in Libya indicate that the GNA is unable to control its own capital, further weakening its support in western Libya and hence its negotiating position. However, the declaration of BM forces’ victory against ISIS in Sirte could give the GNA a temporary boost in popularity given BM is nominally controlled by the GNA.
Action 29 Nov 2016
The beheading of a family in Khoms indicates ISIS fighters may have infiltrated the city, although the perpetrators of the attack are unknown. In Sirte, house-to-house fighting is taking place in the remaining few buildings where ISIS fighters are based, although BM forces continue to suffer losses.
Western 29 Nov 2016
The international community continues to show its support for the GNA as the ‘only’ solution to the Libyan political impasse while Haftar is strengthening his relationship with Russia and asking for arms to help the LNA defeat ISIS
Other 29 Nov 2016
In Tripoli, tensions between RADA and Sadeq al-Ghariyani’s followers are growing in the aftermath of the murder of a Dar al-Ifta member last week. The LNA continues to consolidate the gains it made last week against jihadi fighters in Ganfuda, but clashes continue in Sabri and Suq al-Hout
Anti 29 Nov 2016
Prime Minister of the GNA Fayez Serraj said that the PC will not submit a new Cabinet line-up to the HOR until it has approved the LPA, while civil disobedience protests take place in Tripoli over liquidity crisis.